Posted on Dec 23, 2024
If you need mental health services through the VA, can you use a private doctor or does it have to be directly through the VA?
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I ran into a problem where the cost of regular visits to my therapist have become too expensive. The VA provides veterans free mental health services but does that mean I must go to a VA clinic and see a VA doctor? Or can I use my existing doctor and have them bill the VA? TIA
Posted 1 d ago
Responses: 1
The VA does provide mental health care services to veterans for many (but not all) mental health problems. Depending on your needs, I suspect the VA will likely provide services to you directly for free, but they won't pay for outside providers unless you are enrolled for VA care, the mental health need is service-connected, they don't have capacity to see you, and you will use one of their preferred providers. It's not as open-ended as "Go wherever you want for whatever services you need, and send us the bill."
Have you reviewed this resource page?
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
Have you reviewed this resource page?
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
VA mental health services | Veterans Affairs
Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs. You can use some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care.
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CPT Lawrence Cable
Depending on his provider, he may qualify for Community Care.
https://www.va.gov/resources/eligibility-for-community-care-outside-va/
https://www.va.gov/resources/eligibility-for-community-care-outside-va/
Eligibility for community care outside VA | Veterans Affairs
As a Veteran, you may be eligible to get care outside VA. This means we’ll pay for the cost of your care from a health care provider in our community care network. Keep reading on this page to find out if you’re eligible for community care.Note: You can still always choose to get care at a VA health facility.
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